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Undergoing a lumpectomy can be a life-changing event. This surgical procedure, often coupled with radiation, removes cancerous or abnormal tissue from the breast, preserving as much of the breast as possible. However, the aftermath of a lumpectomy, including dealing with uneven breasts and finding ways to restore symmetry, can be a long and challenging journey.
Learn the essential information you need to know about getting a lumpectomy and how shapers and asymmetrical breast forms can help you regain your confidence post-surgery.
The Basics of Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove cancer while conserving as much of the breast as possible. Unlike a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, a lumpectomy focuses on removing only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure the cancer has been fully excised.
This approach is often preferred for early-stage breast cancer patients because it aims to treat the cancer effectively while minimizing the physical and psychological impact of the surgery.
The procedure is typically followed by radiation therapy to destroy any remaining cancerous cells in the breast, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. The goal of combining lumpectomy with radiation is to achieve a balance between effective cancer treatment and preserving the breastโs appearance and sensation as much as possible.
Patients usually prefer this breast-conserving surgery for its less invasive nature and its focus on not just survival but also on quality of life post-treatment. However, your eligibility for a lumpectomy depends on various factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the breastโs size, and your personal preferences and overall health.
Lumpectomy and Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is essential for treating breast cancer, particularly following a lumpectomy. This therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to target and destroy cancer cells that may remain in the breast after the tumor has been surgically removed.
The primary aim of radiation therapy post-lumpectomy is to prevent the cancer from coming back. This improves the effectiveness of the surgery and increases the chances of long-term positive outcomes for patients.
Typically, radiation therapy begins within 12 weeks after lumpectomy surgery, allowing time for the surgical site to heal. It usually involves a series of treatments over several weeks, where radiation is directed at the breast from which the tumor was removed.
For some patients, especially those with smaller tumors and clear margins, radiation therapy can reduce the chance of cancer returning and can be a factor in choosing breast-conserving surgery over a mastectomy.
Coping with the Changes
Facing the changes after a lumpectomy can be a difficult emotional and physical journey for many women. The surgery, while often successful in removing cancer, may leave behind visible changes to the breastโs shape and size, causing you to feel self-consciousness or a diminished sense of femininity.
For some, the alteration in their body image can be as challenging to cope with as the diagnosis and treatment of cancer itself. Scars and uneven breasts after a lumpectomy and changes in sensation are common and can affect how women perceive their bodies and their overall confidence.
Acknowledging and navigating these changes is a vital part of the healing process. Support from healthcare professionals, counseling, and breast cancer support groups can be invaluable in helping you process these changes. Additionally, exploring options like breast reconstruction or using breast forms and shapers can help you regain a sense of normalcy and comfort with your body.
Asymmetrical Breast Forms
Asymmetrical breast forms and partial shapers are designed to address the unique needs of women who have undergone surgeries like lumpectomies, where breast tissue is removed in a way that can leave the breasts uneven in size and shape. These specialized prosthetics are tailored to fill in the space where breast tissue has been lost, providing a solution that helps restore the appearance of symmetry to the bodyโs silhouette.
Asymmetrical breast forms match the natural contours of the remaining breast, ensuring a comfortable and seamless fit. They are made of various materials, including silicone, foam, and fiberfill, allowing you to choose the option that best replicates natural breast tissueโs feel, weight, and movement.
Shapers are smaller prosthetics designed to fit inside your mastectomy bra and fill in the area of your breast where the tissue was removed. They add volume to the remaining breast tissue and help smooth out your silhouette.
These forms can enhance your quality of life by allowing you to wear the same clothes as before the surgery and engage in activities without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. The availability of custom-designed forms means you can find a solution that closely matches your body shape and skin tone, offering a personalized approach to recovery.
Choosing the Right Shaper
Choosing the right shaper after breast surgery can help you feel more comfortable, achieve a natural look, and restore your confidence. The selection process should begin by considering the surgeryโs extent, personal body shape, and your desired outcome in terms of symmetry and appearance.
Factors to consider include the material of the shaper, with options like silicone providing a realistic feel and weight similar to natural breast tissue, while lighter materials like foam and fiberfill offer comfort and ease for everyday wear. You also need to think about the shape and size of the shaper to ensure it fills the space accurately and matches the remaining breast.
Consultation with a professional experienced in post-mastectomy products can help you find the right choice. These fitters can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances. For instance, if you are highly active and love working out daily, you might prefer a lighter, more breathable option, while someone looking for a more natural silhouette under clothing might opt for a silicone shaper.
Psychological Impact and Support
For many women, the changes in body image associated with breast surgery for cancer or other conditions can lead to feelings of loss, anxiety, and depression. While necessary to protect your health, the physical alterations you endure during surgery often challenge your perception of beauty and can affect your emotional well-being.
Recognizing and addressing these psychological effects is as important as your physical recovery. Support from healthcare providers, counseling, and support groups tailored to individuals who have undergone breast surgeries can help you learn about and manage these emotional challenges. These resources offer a safe space to express feelings, share experiences, and learn coping strategies, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Embracing Healing and Support in the Journey to Wholeness
If you have undergone a lumpectomy, shapers and breast forms can help you transition more smoothly to your new life and make accepting and embracing your new, stronger body easier.
Visit A Fitting Experience Mastectomy Shoppe for a professional fitting with our ABCOP-certified fitters to find the perfect breast prosthesis for your body. We can create custom breast forms using state-of-the-art 3D scanning and CAD/CAM technology to give you a comfortable and beautiful prosthesis. Contact us today to book your appointment.